General Testing Center Information

• Please allow enough time to complete testing, as the Testing Center does close at the above times. Students who arrive for placement testing with less than an hour before closing will not be allowed to start testing.
• The Testing Center is very busy on Saturday mornings – be prepared for crowds, lines, and wait times.
• CLEP/DSST by appointment only: 301.846.2522. Pre-registration is required.

Where is the Testing Center?

The Testing Center is on the first floor of Linganore Hall (L-104). Click here for directions and a College map.

Every test requires a photo ID

Students are required to have a picture ID to take a placement test and should also have their FCC student ID # with them.

You are not allowed to bring anything in with you. If you are taking a test/exam for a class and your professor has identified and approved the use of test taking aids or materials they will be allowed.

Can I bring my child/parent/friend to the Testing Center?

For the safety of you and your children and out of consideration for other testers, under NO circumstances are children permitted in the Testing Center. Children may not be left unattended at FCC during testing.

Where can they wait while I’m taking my test?

Children, parents, friends, and anyone else who is not taking a test can wait outside the Testing Center. If they would like to stay in the building, there are several small lounges throughout Linganore Hall, including one in the hallway right around the corner from the Testing Center. The Bess and Frank Gladhill Learning Commons is also available on the second floor of Linganore Hall. FCC has other lounge spaces; the most popular is the lounge/cafeteria in the Student Center, where the Cougar Grille and Smooth Joe’s are located.

Who can I call or email for more information? Call 301.846.2522 or email the Testing Center.

The College utilizes adaptive, untimed ACCUPLACER and LOEP tests, which means that each answer to a question determines the difficulty of the next test question. This provides a more accurate measure of an individual student’s skills.

Placement testing provides academic advisors with information about the best starting courses for each test taker.

Who needs to take the Placement Test?

Unless otherwise exempted, all students will be required to take a reading, sentence skills, and math placement test. Some LOEP test takers may be required to complete a writing sample.

Students may be exempt from taking some of the placement tests under the following circumstances:

• Scores over 550 on the critical reading and/or mathematics portion of the SAT (If scores are older than five years, you must take the placement test.)

• Score of 21 or higher on the English, reading, and/or mathematics portion of the ACT (If scores are older than five years, you must take the placement test.)

• Students with eligible AP test scores of 3 or better in English Language & Comp, English Literature & Comp and/or Calculus or Statistics

• Students who have earned an A or B in Algebra II or higher in a FCPS high school during their junior or senior year and within the last two academic years. This exemption is valid for one year after the student's date of graduation from high school.

• Eligible transfer credits from another college

Incoming students should submit transcripts, test score reports and any other documentation related to securing placement test exemptions to the FCC Welcome Center located in Jefferson Hall.

Where and when can I take the Placement Test?

Placement testing is done on a walk-in basis in the FCC Testing Center, Linganore Hall (L-104).

Please allow enough time to complete testing; we generally advise about 1-1.5 hours for each test (so about 3 hours overall, though the tests are untimed). Students who arrive for placement testing with less than an hour before closing will not be allowed to start testing.

What should I bring to the test?

Students are required to have a picture ID to take a placement test and should also have their FCC student ID # with them.

Valid identification includes:
• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Employee ID
• Student Photo ID
• MVA temporary photo ID
• Original birth certificate or court change of name in addition to TWO proofs of residence (which can be from a long list of things such as property tax bill, rent contract, canceled check with name and address imprint, utility and cable bills, etc).

What am I allowed to bring into the test with me?

You are not allowed to bring anything in with you.

How do I get my placement test results?

With the exception of the LOEP writing sample, your test will be scored upon your completion of the test. Your scores are then uploaded so they are available for an academic advisor to review with you and to be used to select your classes. You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement test. Results are used by advisors to help determine course selection.

FACULTY RESOURCES

Does the Testing Center do full-class testing?

No, unless you are teaching an online/hybrid course. We do not have the resources to handle multiple full classes in the Testing Center; between placement tests, make-up tests, and online/hybrid courses, our 30+ computers and desks are almost always in use.

If you require an exception, you must contact theTesting Center for permission. Exceptions are made based on each individual case, unless there is an event (such as a hurricane) that affects testing school-wide.

How do I set up a make-up test?

You must email/bring in person the test and any instructions you have for your students on the FCC Testing Center Exam Form. Make sure to specify a start and end date for your test, along with time limits, allowed materials, and any special instructions.

How do I get my tests from the Testing Center?

When tests are completed, we will process them and email you when they are ready to be picked up. You must show up in person (or let us know if you’re sending someone in your stead) and sign them out. If untaken tests expire, they will be sent to your mailbox.

What can my students bring to their tests?

We can only allow students to bring in what you specify. Often, professors will tell students that they can use their notes or calculators, but have not indicated on their test form that students can do so. This results in conflict and usually means we have to call you to verify whether or not a student can take in any extra materials. That creates a lot of stress for students.

What’s the best day to end an exam?

Our only policy regarding test expiration dates is that they can’t end on a Friday or Saturday. Otherwise, any time is fine as long as you’ve communicated the date and time to your students.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If I am a student with a disability, how is my test-taking affected?

The Testing Center works closely with The Services for Students with Disabilities office to provide services for students with ADA accommodations. If you need special testing accommodations, contact the Services for Students with Disabilities office at 301.846.2408.

I am a faculty member arranging a test for a student with a disability. What does this process entail?

The Testing Center makes provisions for students with ADA accommodations.

• If a student’s test is being sent to the Testing Center because of an accommodation, please check the “student has an accommodation” box on the blue Testing Center Exam Form.
• If a student requires additional time for an exam, please indicate the amount of time allowed.
• If a student requires a private room, scribe and/or reader, scheduled room reservations are made in advance through the Services for Students with Disabilities office at 301.846.2408. Instructors should refer students to the Services for Students with Disabilities office so they can make arrangements for themselves.